Moopon

The top of Mount Daisen is made up several peaks.  Kengamine Peak (1729 meters) is the highest.  However, an earthquake severely damaging the trail to the peak in 2000 prompted the closure of this trail.  Hikers can climb as far as Misen Peak (1709 m) which is just a few meters away from Kengamine.

The trail to Misen Peak is about 4 kilometers long. The trail consists mainly of steep stairs and takes about 3 hours to climb. The first section of the trail is through the forests.  When hikers reach about half-way up the mountain, they are rewarded by breathtaking views. The last few hundred meters of the trail are along a series of wooden boards placed over plants and grass located near the summit.

Daisen has deep history with spirituality. Daisenji Temple, an important Buddhist temple, was built near the base of the mountain.  The buildings are spread out and connected by mountain trails. Similarly, Ogamiyama Shrine is also located on this mountain, further up the trail from the temple. 

There is a network of hiking trails connecting Daisenji Temple with several lower peaks on the northeastern side of Daisen. The length and difficult level of the trails vary.  There are some trails which are not recommended for beginners.

With spring flowers surrounding the base of the mountain, to autumn leaves decorating the mountain, Daisen’s beauty can be enjoyed all year round. Visitors can enjoy fall foliage at Daisen from late October to early November.  The forest in the mountain transforms the mountain into an array of autumn colors.  From late November to late April, a plush snow carpet lies on the mountain, making it one of western Japan's best ski slopes.

Access Information to Daisenji Temple

Being that Mount Daisen is surrounded by nature with its wide blue sky; the nearest city with multiple transportation options is Yonago, Tottori's second largest and westernmost city.  It is located near Matsue.

From Yonago there are buses to Daisenji Temple.  The buses are infrequent. The length of the bus ride is about an hour with a cost of 720 yen)

Likewise, visitors can choose to take a train from Yonago Station to Daisen-guchi (20 minute train ride, 240 yen fare). There are one or two trains every hour.  From Daisen-guchi, there are buses to Daisenji Temple.  Again the frequency is not good. The journey is 30 minutes in length and the cost is 480 yen.

Access Information to Yonago.

**By air
Multiple flights are available between Tokyo and Yonago Airport via ANA and Skymark. The flight time is 75 minutes.
Yonago Airport is a 25 minute bus ride from Yonago Station (590 yen).

**By JR Daytime Trains
Board the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (multiple trains per hour) and transfer to a JR Yakumo limited express train bound for Yonago (length: 2 hours, one train per hour). The one way fare is about 19,000 yen, and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using Hikari trains between Tokyo and Okayama.

**By JR Night Trains
The "Sunrise Izumo" night train operates daily between Tokyo and Izumo with a stop at Yonago. The one way fare is around 15,000 yen for a "nobi nobi" compartment (a small carpeted compartment to lie down) or 21,000 yen for regular berths. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using "nobi nobi" compartments, but requires a supplement of around 9500 yen if using regular berths. 
Note:  "nobi nobi" compartments are quite popular and often book out.

**By Highway Bus
Nihon Kotsu and Keikyu Bus operate overnight buses between Tokyo (Shinagawa Bus Terminal) and Yonago Station. The one way journey takes about 10.5 hours and costs 11,500 yen. The route is also served by discount bus companies, such as Willer Express, with tickets available from around 6000 yen.

Koyamaike Aoshima Park is located a few kilometers outside the center of Tottori city.

A beautiful park, surrounding by nature, the park is well known for the cherry blossoms or sakuras which bloom here.There is an island, Aoshima, located in this pond. Visitors need to cross a bridge over Koyamaike Pond to access Aoshima Island.

Aoshima Island has a 1.6 meter walking trail along its coast.
 Over 500 cherry trees with 30 varieties of cherry blossoms are located on this walking trial.

The cherry blossom season here is from early to late April, as there are many late blooming sakuras trees on this island.
 

Tottori Castle, located 30 minutes from Tottori station, was originally built in 1532. The castle was part of Ikeda Clan’s, who ruled Tottori during the Edo Period, empire. However, the castle was destroyed in the Meiji Period due to the modernization policies of that period.

Today all which remains of the castle are only the castle's stone walls and a single wooden gate. However, visitors will find there are still many interesting things to do within this area.

The Tottori Castle ruins remain on the side of Mount Kyusho.  Visitors have the option to climb the castle’s courtyards to the observation point to see breathtaking views of the city. As the observation point was used to track enemies approaching the city, visitors can see all over Tottori city from this location.

There are also hundred of cherry trees planted along the former castle’s stone walls and along the banks of the river.  These former Tottori Castle grounds are known as Kyusho Park. In the spring, there are picnics under the cherry blossoms or sakura. This cherry blossom viewing custom is known as hanami.  Kyusho Park is Tottori's most famous hanami spot. During this season, paper lanterns hung on the trees provide illumination to view the sakuras in the evenings.

Jinpukaku, the white wooden European style building was constructed at the base of the castle ruins at the end of the feudal age in 1907. Architectural features of this building include its open verandas, brick fireplaces and a beautiful wooden spiral staircase.

As a symbol of modernization, this was the first building in Tottori to have electric lights. Over the years, Jinpukaku served many roles including but not limited to being used as a guest house for the visiting crown prince, public hall, reception hall and a prefectural museum. Currently it serves as a small museum concentrating on the Ikeda Clan. Public events are also sometimes held here. 

Castle Ruins
Hours: Always opened
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free

Jinpukaku
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (except if Monday is national holidays), New Years and the day after national holidays.
Admission: 150 yen

Access Information:
**By Bus:
From Tottori Station, board the green line of the 100 Yen Kururi Bus.
Disembark at  bus stop number 12.
From here it is a short walk to the Castle Ruins.
The bus ride will take about 10 minutes and the fare is 100 yen.
Buses depart every 20 minutes.
**On Foot:
From Tottori Station, a 30 minute walk.

The Sand Museum, located next to the Tottori Sand Dunes, is a unique museum feature large sand sculptures created by talented artists from all over the world.  Each exhibition has a theme, which is usually a region or country.  The sculptures, some several meters tall, are created around this theme.  The themes change annually, offers visitors re-visiting Tottori a chance to see even more beautiful handmade sand artwork.

**Sand Museum:
Hours: 9:00 to 20:00 (last entry at 19:30)
Closed: Between exhibitions (from early January to mid April)
Admission: 600 yen
English Level: Good